Portable seating system

ABSTRACT

A portable seating system includes portable removable seating units mounted to a stage type deck. A self retaining nut is mounted to an underside of the decks and the seating units are bolted to the self retaining nut. A method of securing the seats to a deck includes positioning the seating units at a desired position at the initial set up and drilling a hole in the deck at a location where the seat is to be secured. A mounting plate including a self retaining nut is mounted on an underside of the deck with the nut aligning with each hole. The seating unit is then secured with bolts extending from the top of the deck and extending through the holes to engage the self-retaining nut.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/336,798, filed Jul. 22, 2010, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable seating system and in particular, to a system for securing a seat to a deck of the seating system as well as a method for securing seats.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Multiple use facilities, such as arenas, stadiums, auditoriums and similar venues are used for multiple events that require different seating systems. Such seat systems are portable and often have a riser type configuration wherein adjacent decks are placed in an ascending height configuration so that seats in the front are lower than seats in the rear providing improved sight lines.

Conventional seating systems often incorporate stationary or retractable decks, or a combination of stationary and retractable decks. Stationary systems usually have the same number of seats for all events. Retractable systems provide for a more varied seating when the number of seats or the amount of floor space required varies from event to event. Retractable systems often include a telescoping framework, wherein decks are arranged one on top of the other when not in use in a stackable configuration. As a supplement to the retractable seat sections, removable portable seating may be used for the front rows. The seats are usually removed from decking before storing and, therefore, the seats must be easy to remove and re-install. Seating system sections may be rectangular or may be tapered in shape.

In some configurations, the seating are bleachers with or without back rests. In other configurations, individual seats are utilized, including theater type seating. For the removable sections, the chairs may be riser-mounted with the chair for a particular deck mounted to the vertical nose of the next higher deck, or may be mounted on the horizontal surface of the deck. Alternatively, a loose chair system is used, wherein loose individual chairs, such as foldable chairs, are placed directly on the decks. To prevent falling at the edges of the decks, handrail banisters may also be provided.

Portable seating systems may have built-in forklift tubes for moving sections of the seating system using a forklift or pallet jack. The construction of the seating systems may also allow moving of the systems manually. It is an advantage to be able to handle the system manually when space is limited and a fork lift is hard to use.

When assembling existing removable seating systems, the decks are first assembled and then the seats are bolted to the decks by two workers, one above the deck and one underneath the deck for accessing both the nut and the bolt. Thus, it is especially difficult to fasten the seats on the first several rows, since the space available to a worker under these rows is limited.

It can therefore be seen then that a new and improved portable seating system is needed. Such a system should provide for supporting arena style seats in a riser type configuration. In addition, such a system should provide for complete removal of the seating from the portable decks of the risers as well as easy re-installation of the seating to the decks. Such a system should be easy to actuate and easily operable in limited spaces associated with a riser type configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a portable seating system, and to a method of securing a seat to a deck of such a seating system so that it can be easily removed and re-installed again. When the seating system is assembled for the first time, a through opening is provided in the deck, e.g. by drilling. In many venues, it is hard to know beforehand precisely where on a deck the seats are to be mounted for a certain application. Therefore, for many installations, the through openings in the decks are made on site after the seat location is selected for an optimal seating configuration.

A fastening mechanism is provided for securing the seat to the deck and includes a mounting plate to which a self retaining nut is attached. The nut is retained either by welding it to the mounting plate or by using a sheet metal element which is folded around and holds the nut. The mounting plate is fastened to an underside of the deck and the self retaining nut is arranged to receive a bolt dropped through the drilled opening of the deck.

A first embodiment of the mounting plate includes a rectangular plate that may be a square plate having the self retaining nut attached to a center portion thereof and having an aperture in each corner for fastening the mounting plate to the underside of the deck. At least two of the apertures are used when fastening the mounting plate to the deck.

A second embodiment of the mounting plate includes an elongated plate having the self retaining nut attached to a center portion thereof and having apertures in a row extending along the elongated plate on each side of the self retaining nut with at least one of the apertures on each side of the self retaining nut used when fastening the mounting plate to the underside of the deck.

A third embodiment of the mounting plate includes an elongated plate having the self retaining nut attached to a center portion thereof and having apertures in a row extending along the elongated plate on each side of the self retaining nut, with at least one of the apertures on each side of the center opening having an elongated shape extending in the direction along the elongated mounting plate. Such a configuration facilitates adjustment of the mounting plate when fastening to the deck. At least one of the apertures on each side of the self retaining nut is used when fastening the mounting plate to the second face of the deck.

Due to the provision of a mounting plate including a self retaining nut for securing a seat to a deck in a seating system, a system easy to assemble, disassemble and reassemble is obtained.

These features of novelty and various other advantages that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings that form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arena comprising a portable seating system according to principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of a portion of the portable seating system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the portable seating system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a seat used in the portable seating system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a fastening mechanism of the portable seating system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a mounting plate for the seating system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of mounting plate for the seating system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a mounting plate for the seating system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an underside of a seating deck for the seating system shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of securing a seat to a deck, according to the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a conventional arena 10 including a performance area 16 and an audience area. In the performance area 16, events like sports games or concerts are conducted. Often the audience area has both stationary seating 12 and retractable seating 14 and provides seating that overlooks the performance area 16 such that the audience can watch the event. In the embodiment shown, the retractable seating system 14 has a telescoping framework. Due to the frame, it is difficult to handle the lowest rows of the telescopic portable seating system 14. Therefore, according to some embodiments, the lowest several rows are not part of the telescopic framework and are handled separately as portable removable seating 18. Such portable removable seating 18 provides superior flexibility for seating arrangements near the performance area 16 and allows for a variety of configurations for different events and different configurations of the arena 10 and the performance area 16.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the seating system 18 includes portable horizontal decks 20 of various heights to form a riser system supporting arena or theater type seating. The seating system 18 further includes seats 25 removably mounted on the decks 20. The portable stage type decks 20 and the removable seating form a portable system 18 that provides rising rows of arena seating for improved sight lines and comfort. The system 18 is flexible and can be modified to accommodate different widths and different number of rows.

For the purpose of simplification, only one deck 20 will hereinafter be described. However, similar structure is found on stage type decks of other heights as well. Deck 20 has a top first face 21 and a bottom second face 23 and is supported by a support frame 32 arranged on the underside, as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the support frame 32 includes legs 22 that may be foldable for storage. Optionally, lockable wheels or casters are provided on the legs to facilitate transport of the decks 20. In the embodiment shown, the deck 20 is made of aluminum and is easy for two persons to handle. However, the deck may also be made of plywood or other suitable materials. The frame 32 is made of steel in the embodiment shown, but may be made of aluminum or other conventional materials. The various decks 20 may be secured to adjacent decks with interlocking members.

The seating system 18 may also include bridging decks supported on the stage type decks 20 and their frames 32 for extended width seating systems. The ends of bridging decks attach to the individual stage type decks 20 in an end to end relationship so that an extended deck surface is formed. The decks are secured with interlocking members, and thus extended deck surfaces may be formed without requiring legs below each bridging deck. Such a configuration saves money, is light to handle and requires little storage space.

The seats 25 are joined as a multiple-seat unit 30 for mounting on the decks 20. Typically five to seven seats 25 are bolted together as a unit that may be handled by two workers. Such a unit 30 is possible for two persons to lift and handle. Each seat of the seating unit 30 includes a seat portion 28 and a backrest 27. In the seating system 18, the seats 25 of the seating unit 30 share frames including legs 26 and arm rests 29. There is typically one leg 26 at each end of the seating unit 30 and one leg 26 between adjacent seats of the seating unit 30, i.e. a unit with five seats includes six legs.

FIG. 4 shows a typical theater-type seat 25 used for mounting on the deck 20 of the portable seating system 18. The seat 25 has a back rest 27 and seat portion 28 supported by a frame 41. The seat portion 28 is typically spring loaded or weighted so that it tilts slightly upward and must be pushed down to a lower use position by rotating about a pivot. The weight of the seat's occupant typically maintains the seat portion 28 in the lowered position. The seat 25 further includes arm rests 29. In the seat shown in FIG. 4, the legs 26 extend downward on each side of the seat 25 from the frame 41 and include base members 42 which are attached to base plates 43. The base plates 43 have through openings for mounting of the seat 25 to the deck 20 with bolts 45, as will be more described further below in conjunction with FIG. 5. For extra support, the seat 25 may include a cross member 46 running between the back of the base plates 42 and is attached thereto.

FIG. 5 shows a fastening mechanism for securing a seat to the first, upper face 21 of the deck 20 of the portable seating system 18. A through opening 52 is provided in the base plate 43 and is arranged to receive a fastener 45, such as a bolt. When the seating system 18 is to be assembled for the first time, a corresponding through opening 54 is provided in the deck 20, e.g. by drilling. It is difficult to know before initial setup precisely where on a deck 20 the seats 25 are to be mounted for a particular installation and, therefore, the through openings in the decks 20 are made on site for an optimal seating configuration. The fastening mechanism includes a mounting plate 50, embodiments of which are shown in more detail in FIGS. 6-8. The mounting plate 50 is fastened to the underside 23 of the deck 20 and is arranged such that an opening in a center portion of the mounting plate is aligned with the through opening 54 of the deck 20. A self-retaining nut 55 is attached to the mounting plate 50. The fastening mechanism further includes the fastener 45, such as a bolt, which is inserted through the through opening 52 of the base plate 43 and through the through opening 54 of the deck 20. The outer threads of the fastener 45 are arranged to engage with inner threads of the self retaining nut 55 to secure the seat 25 to the deck 20.

FIG. 6 shows a mounting plate 60 according to one embodiment having a generally rectangular shaped configuration that may be square shaped. The mounting plate 60 has four apertures 62 for fastening the mounting plate 60 to the underside of the deck, e.g., by screws, rivets, nails, or other fasteners. It is to be noted, however, that only any two of these apertures 62 may be used in order to fasten the mounting plate 60 to the deck while still achieving superior mounting, providing for greater mounting flexibility. An opening 64 is provided in a center portion of the mounting plate 60 and is aligned with the opening of self retaining nut 55.

In some embodiments, the nut is attached to the mounting plate by using a sheet metal element 65 which is folded around and holding the nut. The sheet metal element 65 is clipped into the center portion opening of the mounting plate. Such self retaining nuts 55 are known as Tinnerman nuts or speed nuts. One advantage with using a Tinnerman nut is that if the nut 55 breaks or fails, it is only necessary to change the nut and not the entire mounting plate or the deck 20. Moreover, the nut of a Tinnerman nut is able to shift slightly so that tolerances do not need to be as precise. According to some embodiments the nut is simply welded directly to the mounting plate. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the opening 64 is square shaped in order to receive and hold the sheet metal element 65 holding the nut 55, but the opening could also be other shapes.

FIG. 7 shows a mounting plate 70 according to another embodiment having a generally elongated shape. An opening is provided in a center portion of this elongated mounting plate 70. The opening may be square shaped in order to receive and hold the sheet metal element 65 holding the nut 55, or may be circular. On each side of the opening, a row of apertures 72 extending along the length of the mounting plate 70 is provided for fastening the mounting plate 70 to the underside of the deck, e.g., with screws, rivets, nails, or other fasteners. At least one of the apertures 72 on each side of the opening is used for fasten the mounting plate 70 to the deck for greatest retention, but it would also be possible to fasten the mounting plate 70 by using only two or more apertures on the same side of the center opening while still achieving satisfactory mounting. The elongated mounting plate 70 has two side portions 73 and 74 extending outward from a first face of the mounting plate 70 along the length of the mounting plate 70 on each side of the opening and the rows of apertures 72. As can be seen in FIG. 7, these side portions 73 and 74 may be bent to provide extra support for the self retaining nut 55. The embodiment shown has a row of circular apertures 72, but the mounting plate 70 can also be provided with any configuration of apertures, such as one on each side of the center opening, two on the same side of the center opening, or the like.

FIG. 8 shows a mounting plate 80 according to still another embodiment having a similar elongated shape as the mounting plate 70 shown in FIG. 7. An opening is provided in a center portion of the elongated mounting plate 80. The opening may be square shaped in order to receive and hold the sheet metal element 65 holding the nut 55, or may be circular. On each side of the opening, apertures 82 and 85 extending along the length of the mounting plate 80 are provided for fastening the mounting plate 80 to the underside of the deck, e.g., by screws, rivets, nails, or other fasteners. At least one of the apertures 85 on each side of the center opening has an elongated shape extending in the direction along the elongated mounting plate 80. This configuration provides for easily adjusting the mounting plate 80 when fastening it to the deck 20. The elongated mounting plate 80 has two side portions 83 and 84 extending along the length of the mounting plate on each side of the opening and the rows of apertures 82 and 85. As can be seen in FIG. 8, these side portions 83 and 84 may be bent to provide extra support for the self retaining nut 55. Even though the embodiment shown has one circular aperture 82 and one elongated aperture 85 on each side of the center opening, any suitable configuration of apertures may be used. Referring now to FIG. 9, a support frame 90 forming a portion of the frame 32 for supporting the deck 20 is attached to the deck 20 by screws, nails, bolt and nuts, or any other conventional fastener. The support frame 90 typically has the same shape as the deck 20, such as a rectangular shape with four sides and includes one leg (not shown in FIG. 9) in each corner of the frame 90. The support frame 90 further typically has one or more cross members 92 attached to the frame 90 intermediate two sides for giving extra support to the deck 20. The cross members 92 are typically spaced apart from the underside 23 of the deck 20. Since the through openings of the deck 20 are drilled on site when the seating configuration has been decided, it is possible that one of the openings will be under or close to such a cross member 92. Therefore, it is important that the mounting plates are configured to provide flexibility to adapt to the underside 23 of the deck/support frame. It may even be necessary to cut off parts of the mounting plates for some mounting locations. In FIG. 9, fastened mounting plates 60, are shown, but other fasteners such fasteners 70 or 80 or a combination of fasteners may used or combined. One aperture on each side of the self retaining nut 55 is used to fasten the mounting plate 60 to the deck 20. The manner in which the mounting plates 60 are fastened is adapted to the profile of the aluminum extruded deck 20. Thus, the direction of the mounting plates 60 as well as which of the apertures that are used may differ between the mounting plates 60 shown in FIG. 9. After the mounting plates 60 with the attached self retaining nuts 55 have been fastened to the underside 23 of the deck 20, a seat may be secured to the deck 20 as explained above.

According to one embodiment, a procedure for securing a seat to a deck of a seating system, as shown in FIG. 10, is as follows:

When the portable seating system 18 is assembled for the first time, a through opening is made, e.g. by drilling, in the deck at a location where the seat is to be secured on a first, upper face of the deck, shown at step 102. A mounting plate including a self retaining nut is mounted on a second, underside of the deck, as shown at step 103. An opening in a base plate of the seat is positioned over the deck opening as shown at step 104. The seat is secured to the deck by introducing a fastener through the base member opening and the deck opening and engaging the fastener with the nut, as shown in step 105.

According to some embodiments, the nut is attached to the mounting plate with a sheet metal element. In some embodiments, the sheet metal element is arranged in a square opening of the mounting plate. In some embodiments, the nut is welded to the mounting plate. In some embodiments, the mounting plate has two or more apertures for fastening the mounting plate to the underside of the deck.

The mounting plate may be a generally square plate having the self retaining nut attached to a center portion thereof and having an aperture in each corner for fastening the mounting plate to the second face of the deck, and at least two of the apertures are used when fastening the mounting plate to the deck. In other embodiments, the mounting plate is an elongated plate having the self retaining nut attached to a center portion thereof and having apertures in a row extending along the elongated plate on each side of the self retaining nut, and at least one of the apertures on each side of the self retaining nut is used when fastening the mounting plate to the second face of the deck.

When the seating system 18 is to be disassembled, the bolts are simply loosened and the seats are removed. When the seating system 18 is to be reassembled, it is easy for one person to fasten the bolts again by following steps 104 and 105 of FIG. 10.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

1. A seating system, comprising: a supporting structure including a plurality of horizontal decks, the decks having a plurality of heights and being arranged in an ascending configuration, at least deck having a through hole formed therein; a plurality of seats comprising legs, each leg having a base plate with at least one through opening for securing the seat to the deck; a mounting plate fastened to an underside of one deck at a position where the seats are to be secured; a fastener, inserted through a through opening of one base plate and a through opening of one deck and arranged to engage a self retained nut attached to one mounting plate.
 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the self retaining nut is attached to the mounting plate by a sheet metal element.
 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the sheet metal element is arranged in a square opening of the mounting plate.
 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the self retaining nut is welded to the mounting plate.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the mounting plate comprises two or more apertures for fastening the mounting plate to the underside of the deck.
 6. A method of securing a seat to a deck of a seating system, comprising the steps of: providing a through opening in the deck at a location where the seat is to be secured on a first face of the deck; fastening a mounting plate including a self retaining nut on a second face of the deck; positioning an opening of a base plate of the seat over the deck opening; securing the seat to the deck by introducing a fastener through the base plate opening and the deck opening and engaging the fastener with the self retaining nut.
 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the nut is attached to the mounting plate with a sheet metal element.
 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the sheet metal element is arranged in a square opening of the mounting plate.
 9. A method according to claim 6, wherein the nut is welded to the mounting plate.
 10. A method according to claim 6, wherein the mounting plate comprises two or more apertures for fastening the mounting plate to the second face of the deck.
 11. A method according to claim 6, wherein the mounting plate comprises a generally rectangular plate having the self retaining nut attached to a center portion of the generally rectangular plate and having an aperture in each corner for fastening the mounting plate to the second face of the deck, wherein the method further comprises the step of using at least two of the apertures when fastening the mounting plate to the deck.
 12. A method according to claim 6, wherein the mounting plate comprises a generally square plate having the self retaining nut attached to a center portion of the generally square plate and having an aperture in each corner for fastening the mounting plate to the second face of the deck, wherein the method further comprises the step of using at least two of the apertures when fastening the mounting plate to the deck.
 13. A method according to claim 6, wherein the mounting plate comprises an elongated plate having the self retaining nut attached to a center portion of the elongated plate and having a plurality of apertures in a row extending along the elongated plate on each side of the self retaining nut, wherein the method further comprises the step of using at least one of the apertures on each side of the self retaining nut when fastening the mounting plate to the second face of the deck.
 14. A mounting plate configured for securing a seat to a first face of a deck of a seating system, comprising: a center portion in which a through opening is provided; a self retaining nut arranged in the through opening for receiving a fastener securing the seat to the deck.
 15. A mounting plate according to claim 14, the mounting plate comprising a rectangular shaped configuration, wherein apertures are provided in each corner of the plate.
 16. A mounting plate according to claim 14, having an elongated configuration, wherein a plurality of apertures are provided in a row extending along the plate on each side of a center portion of the plate.
 17. A mounting plate according to claim 12, wherein the plate further comprises side portions extending outward from a first face of the plate and parallel to the row of apertures.
 18. A mounting plate according to claim 14, wherein the self retaining nut is attached to the mounting plate by a sheet metal element.
 19. A mounting plate according to claim 14, wherein the self retaining nut is welded to the mounting plate.
 20. A mounting plate according to claim 14, the mounting plate comprising a square shaped configuration, wherein apertures are provided in each corner of the plate. 